Our glass paperweights from local artisan Taylor Kelly have been selling so well, we’ve expanded the collection to include a variety of awesome home decor and jewelry pieces. From freeform bowls, to marbles, to dazzling pendants, these pieces are absolutely available and are currently for sale in our Etsy shop.

These elegant stone necklaces are inspired by the lore and symbolism of the Chinese zodiac. I first had the idea after purchasing a jade rat key chain, in honor of my own zodiac sign. After salvaging a carnelian monkey and purchasing a fluorite dragon, it seemed only natural to begin a series of zodiac jewelry. Each of these necklaces features the same basic design, with “gun metal” filigree end caps, toggles, and genuine sterling silver Bali beads. I am currently on the lookout to complete the set, I need quality stone fetish beads for: ox, boar, horse, snake, rabbit, dog, tiger, rooster & ram.As I previously mentioned, this first necklace (and matching bracelet) features a jade rat focal bead in luxurious pale green. Jade is known as the “dream stone,” and helps to promote harmony. The jade is complemented by rounds of Moonstone, a stone associated with wishes, hopes & femininity. Due to limited Jade supplies, the matching bracelet is actually composed of Green Turquoise, a protective & grounding stone which facillitates mental clarity.

In contrast to the lunar-inspired Rat necklace, this carnelian monkey set is inspired by the warmth of the sun. Carnelian (also known as Sard) is an energetic stone said to enhance happiness & positivity, while sharpening the mind. The small dark rounds which punctuate the set are Onyx, a stone of strength said to banish grief and heighten self-control. The set is tied together by large beautifully banded rounds of Sardonyx, the “lucky stone,” which is actually a naturally formed combination of Onyx and Carnelian. To complete the theme of happiness and celebration, the set is accented by genuine sterling silver Bali drums.

This third necklace showcases the natural spectrum of the mineral Fluorite, a stone of structure, aptitude & health. The colors of Fluorite are said to differ slightly in metaphysical attributes, opening and activating the chakras they represent. The melange of green, purple, colorless & rainbow fluorite is punctuated by small rounds of Amethyst, a traditional healing stone, known as a “stone of spirituality and contentment.”

This Chinese Zodiac collection is a wonderful combination of beauty and symbolism, which really allows the natural brilliance of the stones to shine as stars. I can’t wait to complete the series, so stay posted for your birth year to be featured as the next Amigami creation.

These butterfly charms have become my instant new favorite, as I’m sure they will be yours.

Butterflies are recognized the world over as symbols of joy, life & love. These beautiful butterflies are knotted in the Chinese tradition, with a central Mystic Knot. Otherwise known as the Pan Chang, this knot dates back thousands of years in Asian culture, and is considered one of the eight Buddhist treasures. An extremely auspicious symbol, the Mystic Knot is said to bring happiness both to the wearer, as well as all who view it.

The wings of the butterfly are interwoven with Josephine Knots (or Carrick Bends), a well-recognized Celtic knot representing true love. The tails of the butterfly feature an additional Josephine Knot, along with Chinese Button Knots and metallic accent beads.

Measuring about 3 inches long, and made out of a single strand of 2mm satin cord in a gorgeous redwood brown, this swallowtail charm is the perfect centerpiece for any necklace!

And lucky, I just happen to have matching necklaces! Made of high quality complementary satin cord, these clasp-free necklaces are completely adjustable, making them great for all ages. Just pull on the necklace to open (don’t worry, it’s sturdy!), then pull the central knot apart to re-close. The center of the necklace can be looped through most charms or pendants for an instant new look, making this necklace the ultimate in versatility.

Both of these great items are currently for sale in my Etsy shop, and they have already become a high-demand item locally. They’re absolutely gorgeous and ornate, and look fabulous on women of all ages, so make sure to pick one up today! And remember, I can always fulfill custom color requests, just ask!

I’ve been intending to post photos of some of the stone jewelry I’ve created in the past, but lately I’ve been too caught up with posting current items to bother with the archives. This is a collection of jewelry I designed this past holiday season as gifts for friends & family. Constructed using only the finest quality metal and stone, these pieces were designed not only with aesthetic appeal in mind, but also the stones’ supposed metaphysical properties.

This first necklace showcases a crescendo of alternating spheres, in shades of dusty yellow which looks stunning against a darker wardrobe. The large translucent orbs are Lemon Quartz, which is said to clear the mind & absorb negative energy. The smaller brighter beads are Citrine, a powerful cleansing stone of emotional balance, which is also known as a “merchant’s stone” for promoting financial prosperity. When combined, the citrine is said to dispel the negativity which the lemon quartz collects – the necklace retains an optimistic air regardless of the wearer’s stress levels. Hung on a sterling silver chain, with complementary accent charm on the clasp, this elegant citrus-inspired necklace is a personification of happiness.

This next piece was designed for a longtime family friend who had recently been involved in a car accident and suffered a broken wrist. To supplement the healing process, this bracelet features large free form nuggets of Pyrite (a stone of physical strength), framed by round beads of red tiger eye (his favorite stone) and accented by brass. Tiger Eye is a grounding stone, said to combine the energies of sun & earth, which helps to encourage discipline & practicality. Though designed with a man in mind, this silhouette is extremely versatile is looks great on women as well.

These next two pieces were collaborative works with my partner. The first is an edgy pendant showcasing a genuine Ammonite fossil. Ammonites are a prehistoric form of marine life, said to bring structure to one’s life while allowing them to understand the big picture. The fossil is framed by small spheres of spotted Dalmatian Jasper and disks of Bronzite, on a large brass chain. Dalmation Jasper, also known as Leopard Jasper, is a stabilizing stone which promotes patience and helps one accept responsibilities. Similarly, Bronzite is known as a “stone of courtesy,” promoting equitability and unbiased judgment. Although the stones used are sharply contrasting in appearance they hold common threads metaphysically, which allow them to come together in a youthful necklace of peace & understanding.

This final tourmaline bracelet is truly elegant & unique. The vintage-style butterfly, which we bent to match the natural curve of the wrist, was originally purchased about a decade ago from a local Claire’s Boutique as a necklace focal point. The bracelet is adorned in pink and black tourmaline rounds, and accented by faceted nuggets of green tourmaline and “gun-metal” filigree beads. Tourmaline promotes inspiration $ self-confidence, and it’s said to mirror the body’s chakras. Rubellite (aka pink tourmaline) strengthens love &the healing qualities of the heart. Green Tourmaline, also related with the heart, brings about both clarity & wealth (material & emotional). And the powerful Schorl (aka Aphrizite or Black Tourmaline) is said to protect against & repel negative energy. With a design reminiscent of a peace sign, this bracelet connects the energies of mind, heart & body.

All of the wonderful information I’ve presented here on the stones’ properties has been gathered from the definitive source on the subject, Love is in the Earth: The Crystal & Mineral Encyclopedia, by Melody. It may be the heaviest book I own, but it certainly suceeds in leaving no stone unturned. 🙂

I love showcasing the artwork of others, and even though I’ve already spoke on our visit to Rogers Community Auction, I had to make special note of the wonderful jewelry I acquired there.

A mother-daughter team stationed down the market avenue had a fantastic array of beaded stone jewelry. From rings to necklaces, they had four tables featuring a plethora of semi-precious stones and styles. Having what seems to be a genetic predisposition for turquoise, I gravitated towards a perfect-for-summer chunky bangle and matching ring. The bracelet features 5 intersecting bands of pale blue turquoise on elastic (for easy wear & removal). The matching ornate ring showcases a dazzling cabochon set in brilliant sterling silver. Both the mother & daughter were extremely approachable about their products & techniques, and I thank them for the excellent deal they gave me on the set.

Ramon went on several hardware outings throughout the day , and returned with a gorgeous pendant for me. It showcases a perfectly intricate mini dried flower display, in shades of antiqued gold and mauve, encapsulated under a glass dome within a metal frame. The reverse side holds a mirror of matching proportion, and hangs from a 24″ long complementary chain.

I absolutely love this necklace, but there’s one setback: I’m allergic to nickel & most forms of metal. Attempting to coat the chain in clear nail polish would ultimately be fruitless, so unless I find another method of combating my allergy, I may regrettably have to exchange the chain for a hypo-allergenic alternative. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

And finally, our market neighbor Denny, from Cambridge, and his friends had an assortment of goods, including some very special jewelry. We spoke with Denny and his daughter at length, on a multitude of interesting topics – they were both absolute pleasures. He told us about his sister, who was an artist & crafter in her own right, until she unfortunately passed of cancer a few years ago. He had recently rediscovered some of her beaded jewelry, and of course I had to commemorate his sister & our meeting. The medicine pouch I purchased is stunning, with a red & white heart theme, accented by rich gold. Denny also told us of multiple herbal cures of which he is knowledgeable, including the potent Essiac Tea, which aided his sister & countless others through the hardest of times. Denny was SO generous to share this information with us, we feel obligated to use it & pass it on. Thank you Denny & Vanessa, as well as the entire Rogers Market Community, for all your great company & hospitality.